How To: Defend Yourself Against A Dog

A dog may be man’s best friend, but even the most docile one can turn in the blink of an eye. No matter how much we tame and train them, so long as man is man and nature is nature, there will always be an underlying threat between the two. In fact, dog attacks account for 4.7 million injuries in the U.S. every year, with pit bulls, rottweilers, Presa Canarios and their mixes being the most dangerous. Nonetheless, dogs are among the best pets you could own. In general, they are giving, playful creatures, and the loyal ones will risk their lives to guard their masters.

Responsible owners, and non-owners, must prepare themselves with defense techniques in the event that man’s best friend decides to attack. I’m not trying to demonize the species, but everyone who shares their home with a four-legged friend should know how to diffuse an attack situation calmly and effectively with minimal injury to both man and dog. Here are some tips on how to defend yourself when a dog attacks.

Avoid the attack

It has been said that prevention is better than a cure, so before you find out how to defend yourself from a dog attack, it’s important to look at ways you can avoid one completely. After all, who wants to wrestle with a four-legged beast when, with a few simple tricks, you could send him packing?

Initially, avoid intruding on a dog’s territory. No matter how ignorant you’re willing to be about their characteristics, dogs are one of the most territorial animals on earth, and will lash out if they think you’re moving in on their turf. In this instance, never approach an unattended dog; odds are that the dog has marked his patch and, invariably, you’ll be stepping on it. If this happens, slowly edge out of the dog’s personal space, and don’t make any sudden movements to suggest that you’re a threat.

Secondly, make sure that the dog knows who you are before attempting to handle him. Move carefully toward the animal and allow him to sniff you. Many dogs attack on reflex because they have been crept up on. Establish your presence, make friends with the dog, and avoid this common pitfall.

Thirdly, don’t tease a dog or get him excited; let sleeping dogs lie — literally — and avoid a snarling, eating or nursing dog. Dogs that have just become mothers are particularly on guard; exercise extreme caution in her presence.

Heed the warning signs

You know when an angry guy in a bar is about to throw down. Why should a dog be any different? Suss the telltale signs of an impending attack and get out while you can — with your limbs still intact.

Growling is typically the first sign that a dog is likely to attack. In addition, if the dog is drooling from the mouth, and his eyes are wild with rage, you can pretty much assume that man’s best friend isn’t in the best of moods. A dog’s body functions in a similar way to a human’s, in that it can be used to identify his mood and emotions. Check to see if his body is tense, his hackles (the area between his shoulders and tail) are up, his ears are erect, and if his tail is held high and wagging faster than normal. If the signs don’t sit well, you might want to get out of Dodge.